Computers are seen as robust and easy to use equipment, but some oversights can put your system at risk and compromise its useful life. Forcing the machine to shut down by unplugging it, forgetting to update Windows, irresponsibly overclocking and even deleting unknown files like System32 are practices that can reduce the duration of your PC. In addition, they can permanently damage the computer or cause damage in the exchange of damaged parts. Here are eight things that, if you do, could damage your computer.
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List brings dangerous actions that can damage your PC Photo: Reproduction / ptsecurity.com
List brings dangerous actions that can damage your PC Photo: Reproduction / ptsecurity.com
Overclocking consists of speeding up the functioning of parts of the hardware to improve the performance of the machine. This practice usually involves the supercharging of power from parts of the PC, such as processor and video card. However, exaggeration can wear these components out because of the heat, causing irreversible damage over time. Overclocking is not necessarily a bad thing, but it needs to be done with great care and attention to avoid causing problems to the computer.
2. Install apps of dubious origin
Be careful with the origins of the applications you install on your computer Photo: Pond5
Be careful with the origins of the applications you install on your computer Photo: Pond5
The main security breach of any system is the user who is not careful. Installing applications of dubious origin can be the gateway to all types of malware, including the most aggressive ransomware on your PC. The tip here is always to be careful and download the programs you need from trusted sources. Check the address of the website you are downloading from and ensure that it is a secure page. And, of course, always have an updated antivirus for any eventuality.
HDs are delicate and can be rendered useless with impacts Photo: Filipe Garrett / dnetc
HDs are delicate and can be rendered useless with impacts Photo: Filipe Garrett / dnetc
Notebooks are especially vulnerable to impact. A simple tumble is enough for the device to bend, the screen to break or ports and interfaces such as USB and HDMI to stop working. In the case of machines with conventional hard drives, a tumble can represent the destruction of the HD and the loss of all its data. So be very careful with how you handle your PC, and never place notebooks in risky places, such as at the edge of the table.
4. Low-capacity power source
Power source a crucial but often overlooked component of the PC Photo: Divulgao / Corsair
Power source a crucial but often overlooked component of the PC Photo: Divulgao / Corsair
The system is at risk of being damaged by an undersized power source, that is, which delivers less power than is necessary for your computer to function properly. Depending on the situation, power outages to the hard drive can cause information corruption and loss of files.
In more severe cases, other components may be impaired and malfunction due to fluctuations in the power supply. To avoid headaches, there are methods to discover the power required by your system and thus choose the correct source.
5. Leave the operating system and applications out of date
Updates are important to keep your system safe and working properly Photo: Reproduo / Helito Bijora
Updates are important to keep your system safe and working properly Photo: Reproduo / Helito Bijora
Operating systems receive frequent updates out of necessity. Cases such as fixing problems, improving performance and resolving serious security breaches are resolved thanks to updates.
Many people are irritated by Windows and macOS updates, but not doing them frequently can mean exposing your computer to criminals. The same goes for applications installed on the computer. Whenever your browser, torrent client, email app or messenger receives an update, try to apply it immediately.
6. Do not shut down properly
Failure to properly shut down your computer can cause damage and loss of files. Photo: Rassa Delphim / dnetc
Failure to properly shut down your computer can cause damage and loss of files. Photo: Rassa Delphim / dnetc
Operating systems need to disable a number of features before they suspend activity, and this procedure only occurs if you shut down the PC correctly. Forcing the shutdown by pulling the computer out of the socket or holding the on / off button prevents these processes and can contribute to data corruption on your hard disk or SSD. In addition to being important to turn off the PC from time to time, it is essential that you do it correctly.
Beware of system files and folders Photo: Reproduo / Filipe Garrett
Beware of system files and folders Photo: Reproduo / Filipe Garrett
An operating system as an application: it consists of a series of sensitive files and folders, which are necessary for the functioning of the system as a whole. So, you should not carelessly touch folders like System32 and so many others, dedicated to the operation of Windows, Linux or macOS.
For example, deleting the Windows System32 folder, the target of a dangerous prank on social media, can prevent the system from restarting and accessing files on the hard drive. In general, if you don't know what a system file or folder is for, avoid making any changes to it and limit yourself to interacting with the documents you recognize as yours.
8. BIOS update failed
Updating the BIOS is a procedure that needs to be done carefully. Photo: Filipe Garrett / dnetc
Updating the BIOS is a procedure that needs to be done carefully. Photo: Filipe Garrett / dnetc
Currently, notebooks and motherboards apply some mechanisms that make it difficult for the user to update the BIOS incorrectly with an improper version. However, the risk always exists and that is why the procedure for updating this component must always be done very carefully. An incorrectly updated BIOS can render the computer card useless, resulting in very high maintenance costs.
The first important step is to ensure stable power, not trying to upgrade under a storm, when power outages are more likely. Another precaution is to use updaters offered by the manufacturers and read the instructions on the screen very carefully. An incorrectly updated BIOS can render the computer card useless, resulting in very high maintenance costs.
